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From Facilities to Trauma: Disaster Planning and Community Resiliency at Your Library
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 ♦ 3:00 pm Eastern ♦ 60 minutes  Register

Recent catastrophes have highlighted the important role public libraries play in enhancing their community’s resiliency and post-disaster recovery efforts. Many community leaders now view libraries as ad hoc disaster recovery centers and recognize librarians as Information First Responders. This presentation will help you and your library embrace this new role as Information First Responders, who quickly enable people to get back to work, back to their lives, and ensure recovery of the community’s economic life. Learn what you need to prepare before disaster strikes, guided by New Jersey State Library’s Disaster Preparedness & Community Resiliency Toolkit, which has been emergency-tested by libraries. Your library can be at the forefront in providing that safe haven in times of crisis and helping your community return to normal life. Presented by: Michele Stricker, Deputy State Librarian for Lifelong Learning, New Jersey State Library 

Lunch at the Library: Nourishing Bodies and Minds
Tuesday, February 6, 2018 ♦ 3:00 pm Eastern ♦ 60 minutes  Register

For too many children and teens, summer is a time of hunger and learning loss. Libraries offer the perfect environment to combat childhood hunger and obesity while preventing summer learning loss by offering free, healthy lunch to kids through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. In California, Lunch at the Library was developed to provide tailored support to library staff, offering tools to develop successful public library summer meal programs that draw new families to the library, foster community partnerships, and engage families with learning and enrichment opportunities while school is out. Join us for this webinar to learn about the tools and practical tips for starting or expanding a USDA summer meals site and incorporating lunches into your summer reading program. Even if you’ve been offering summer lunches for years, you’ll come away inspired and ready to plan.  Presented by: Trish Garone, Programs Manager, California Library Association; Patrice Chamberlain, Executive Director, California Summer Meal Coalition; and Jasmin LoBasso, Marketing & Promotions, Kern County Library (CA)

Homelessness in Small and Rural Communities: Libraries Can Help!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 ♦ 3:00 pm Eastern ♦ 60 minutes  Register

Homelessness means having no predictable and safe place to sleep. Libraries in rural and small communities are often a source of information and daytime shelter for individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity. In an already busy library with limited resources, staff may be challenged to respond to the needs of these patrons and to cope with compassion fatigue. This webinar will provide practical insights on providing services to people who don’t have stable housing. Learn how to create an environment that feels welcoming, informative and supportive, including ideas for reducing policy barriers. Learn how to host conversations that explore public perceptions, help to debunk myths around homelessness, and strengthen community ties. Presented by: Mallory Pillard, Director, Carnegie Public Library, Trinidad, CO; and Sara Zettervall, Founder, Whole Person Librarianship, and Community Engagement Librarian, Hennepin County Library (MN)